Three dimensional sports pads and related methods for ornamenting a sports uniform

ABSTRACT

A three dimensional pad for wearing under sports clothing to produce a desired image through the sports clothing includes a removable pad having a body with a front face and a rear face. A three dimensional image element is secured to the front face of the body whereby when the pad is positioned underneath an exposed fabric area of the sports clothing a desired image outline is produced.

This utility patent application claims the benefit of priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/723,177, filed on Nov. 6, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/755,208, filed on Jan. 22, 2013, the entirety of both disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to the sports equipment field and, more particularly, to pads, football pads and sports uniforms including a three dimensional image element for projecting through and ornamenting the sports uniform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,521 to Freno et al. discloses a three dimensional fabric design wherein novelty or decorative fabrics with printed images include foam plastic pads to provide a three dimensional effect. More particularly, the foam pads are shaped to the outline of the printed image and are sewn permanently in position. U.S. Reissued Pat. RE37,533 to Beige et al. discloses costumes with semi-rigid fabric components as well as a method of making the same.

Significantly, the underlying pads in the Freno et al. reference are permanently secured to the back side of the fabric and are aligned with a design printed on the face of the fabric. Similarly, in the Beige et al. reference the semirigid components are a permanent part of the costume. While such a construction is suited for adding three dimensional features to novelty or decorative fabrics and costumes, there is no disclosure in these references of ornamenting sports uniforms such as football pants, football jerseys, or other sports equipment with three dimensional ornamentation or embellishment. Further, the permanent attachment of the pads to the fabric explicitly taught in these references is unsuited for such a purpose.

This document relates to a three dimensional pad for wearing under sports clothing to produce a desired image through that sports clothing. The pad includes a three dimensional image element that is secured to the front face of the pad whereby when the pad is positioned underneath a tight fitting, exposed fabric area of the sports clothing an image outline is produced in the exposed fabric area. The three dimensional image element may be in the shape of a player number or a logo. For purposes of this document the term logo refers to letters, words, numbers, names, trademarks, mascots, images, stripes, designs and other three dimensional shapes that may commonly identify or be used by athletic teams, athletes and individuals. For purposes of this document “pad” includes football thigh pads, football shoulder pads, football kidney pads, football tailbone pads, all other football pads, shin guards, knee pads, elbow pads, and all other pads associated with sports in general.

SUMMARY

A three dimensional pad for wearing under sports clothing to produce a desired image through that sports clothing comprises a removable pad including a body having a front face and a rear face, and a three dimensional image element that is secured to the front face of the body whereby when the pad is positioned underneath an exposed fabric area of the sports clothing an image outline is produced. In one possible embodiment the three dimensional image element is in the shape of a logo such as a team logo or player number. In yet another possible embodiment the three dimensional image element is tapered outwardly from a central area toward an outer edge so that the central area projects a greater distance from the front face of the pad body than does the outer edge.

In accordance with an additional aspect, football pants are provided. Those football pants comprise a pants body including a pocket for receiving a football pad and a removable football pad. The removable football pad includes a pad body having a front face, a rear face and a three dimensional image element secured to the front face. When the pad is positioned in the pocket underneath an exposed fabric area of those football pants, an image outline is produced in the exposed fabric area. That three dimensional image element may be provided in the shape of a logo such as a team logo. Further the three dimensional image element may be tapered outwardly from a central area toward an outer edge so that the central area projects a greater distance from the front face of the pad body than does the outer edge.

In one possible embodiment the pocket is open at one end to allow the football pad to be inserted and removed from the pocket as desired. In yet another possible embodiment, the exposed fabric area is a first color and the image element is a second, different color that is darker than the first color and shows through the exposed fabric area. In still another possible embodiment the front face of the pad is also the first color. In one possible embodiment that first color is white.

In accordance with an additional aspect, a method of promoting a sports team is provided. That method comprises the steps of wearing a pad with a three dimensional image element under sports clothing of the sports team, producing a three dimensional image or embellishment projecting through an exposed fabric area of the sports clothing overlying the pad and providing that image in a shape of a logo. Still further that method includes using the exposed fabric area of the sports clothing having a first color and the three dimensional image element having a second color that is darker than the first color and shows through the exposed fabric area.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a method of ornamenting a sports team uniform is provided. That method comprises wearing a pad with a three dimensional image element under the sports team uniform and producing a three dimensional image projecting through an exposed fabric area of the sports team uniform overlying the pad. This method further includes providing the image element in a shape of a logo such as a team logo. Alternatively, in another embodiment the method includes providing the image element in a shape of a player number.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a kit is provided for ornamenting a sports uniform. The kit comprises a three dimensional image element and a fastener that secures the image element to the sports uniform or a pad worn under the sports uniform. The kit further includes instructions. In one embodiment the three dimensional image element is in a shape of a logo. In another embodiment the three dimensional image element is in a shape of a player number.

In one embodiment the kit includes an adhesive. In one embodiment the kit includes a hook and loop fastener. The adhesive, the hook and loop fastener or any other means may be utilized to secure the three dimensional image element to the sports uniform or a pad worn under a sports uniform.

Finally, a method of ornamenting a team uniform is provided. That method comprises purchasing a kit including a three dimensional image element having a shape selected from a group consisting of a player number, a logo and combinations thereof and securing the three dimensional element under an exposed fabric area of the team uniform. Further the method includes securing the three dimensional element to a front face of a sports pad. In addition the method includes inserting the pad into a pad pocket in a team uniform so that the three dimensional image element projects an image through the exposed fabric area overlying the pad.

These and other embodiments will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following description and referenced drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the three dimensional pad, football pants and methods disclosed herein and together with the description serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the sports pad including the three dimensional image element.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the full pad with the three dimensional image element secured to the front face of the pad.

FIG. 3 is a detailed cross sectional view of football pants including a pocket holding a pad with a three dimensional image element.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a kit for ornamenting sports clothing or a sports uniform including a three dimensional image element, a fastener and instructions.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating how a three dimensional element may be tapered from an inner area toward an outer edge to enhance the three dimensional image outline it produces in the overlying exposed fabric area of a sports uniform.

FIGS. 6 a-6 d illustrate various three dimensional elements for producing different image outlines.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating an image element incorporating a background sheet which covers ridges or other surface variations on a front face of a football pad and effectively prevents them from interfering with or distorting the desired image that projects through the exposed fabric area covering the image element.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3 that generally illustrate a three dimensional pad 10 for wearing under sports clothing 22 to produce a desired image outline 30 through that sports clothing. As illustrated, the pad 10 includes a body 12 having a front face 14 and a rear face 16. Further the pad includes a three dimensional image element 18 that is connected to the front face 14 by means of a fastener 20 such as a layer of adhesive or a hook and loop fastener system such as sold under the trademark Velcro. The image element 18 may include a three dimensional logo 19 alone or a combination of logo 19 and background sheet 50 as illustrated that is mounted directly to the front face 14 of the pad 10.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 that generally shows sports clothing 22 such as football pants. The football pants 22 include a pocket 24 adapted for receiving a pad 10 which is inserted into the pocket through an open end 26. When the pad 10 is properly inserted into the pocket 24, the three dimensional image element 18 is located directly underneath a tight fitting exposed fabric area 28 of the pants. As a result a three dimensional image outline 30 is produced through the exposed fabric area so as to ornament the sports clothing 22 in a unique and exciting manner.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 illustrating a kit for ornamenting sports clothing or a sports uniform 22. The kit 40 includes at least one three dimensional image element 18 and a fastener 20 that is used to secure the three dimensional image element directly to the sports uniform or a pad 10 worn under the sports uniform that is to be ornamented. As illustrated, the kit 40 includes a sheet of precut number logos 19 and an optional background sheet 50 which may be cut into any desired shape and positioned between the three dimensional logo 19 and the front face 14 of the pad 10. The background sheet 50 may be made from a contrasting color relative to the image element 18 in order to highlight and embolden the image element. The background sheet 50 may also be used to cover ridges and/or other surfaces features of the pad 10 in order to prevent them from interfering with the image outline 30 formed in the sports uniform by the logo 19 of the image element 18. Further the kit 40 includes a set of instructions 42 detailing how to use the kit and ornament a sports uniform or other clothing.

In any of the various embodiments, the three dimensional image element 18 is provided in the shape of a logo such as a team logo or perhaps a particular player's number. In one possible embodiment the image element 18 is tapered outwardly from a central area or inline 44 toward an outer edge or outline 46 so that the central area or inline projects a greater distance from the front face 14 of the pad 10 than does the outer edge or outline (see FIG. 5).

In one embodiment the exposed fabric area 28 of the sports clothing 22 is a first color while the three dimensional image element 18 is a second, different color. The image element 18 may be darker then the first color to show through the exposed fabric area, highlight the image outline 30, and provide a hologram-like appearance. In one possible embodiment the front face 14 of the pad 10 is also provided in the first color, matching the color of the exposed fabric area 28. In yet another embodiment that first color is white.

The three dimensional image element 18 may be solid, hollow, and outlined or a combination. For example, to form a “shamrock” logo the shape of the shamrock may be cut out of a 3 mm thick piece of foam. The cutout shamrock could be pulled from the foam and adhered to a thigh pad of football pants. The resulting image outline 30 would appear as a solid shamrock. In addition, the outline of the shamrock that remains in the foam can then be used to show the image of a shamrock but instead of it being full, it is an outline of a shamrock or a hollow three dimensional image. Obviously different widths and colors of foam may be utilized to create varying images, shadows and appearances including complex images such as an American flag.

For some images the logo 19 of the three dimensional image element 18 is the same thickness throughout. However, as previously described, the depth of the logo 19 may be manipulated to give the image outline 30 more or less detail and definition when it projects through the exposed fabric area 28 of the sports clothing 22. For example, while a three dimensional image element 18 of a “O” can be seen as a “O” if the entire “O” is 3 mm thick, forming the inside line L₁ of the “O” slightly higher than the outside line L₂ to create a sloped face F allows the inner circle of the “O” to show differently and this can give it a different detail when it is seen through the clothing or covering (again see FIG. 5). Further there are various ways to manipulate an “O” to make it appear differently while ensuring that it is an “O”. For example it can be made a perfect circle or an oval. It can be made flat versus wavy. It can be made using only the outlines of the inside and outside circles. For some images, but not all, the inside lines must be made slightly higher than those on the outside in order for the details to show through. Also using rounded edges can help give definition. For example an American flag can be made by rounding the red strips of the flag, omitting the white stripes, making the blue a rectangle with square edges and adding slightly raised dots for the stars. This is an example of how different processes and shaping can be used to form a three dimension image element 18 that provides the desired image outline 30 projecting through the exposed fabric area 28 of the sports clothing.

The three dimensional image element 18 may be made from a number of different materials including, but not limited to foams, high density synthetic materials, foam rubbers and plastics. Particularly useful foam materials include polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam and PVC foam. Regardless of the chemical makeup it is preferred that the foam be a “closed cell” foam. In many instances the three dimensional image element 18 is made from the same material as the pad 10 to which it is attached so that it may be used in athletic events without increasing any risk in injury.

As should be appreciated the three dimensional image element 18 may be punched or cut from a sheet of foam as previously described. Alternatively, the three dimensional image element 18 may be molded in a mold. The production operation utilized depends on the material being formed into an image and the intended use of the image. Logos 19, like college logos, mascots or trademarks could be punched or cutout from the foam. Logos 19 such as single or entwined letters like an “S”, “OU”, “NC”, “ND”, “UK”, “3C”, etc. (see FIGS. 6 a and 6 b) show through and produce the desired image 30 whether they are solid letters, outlined letters or a combination of both. Logo images 19 such as an eagle and cat's paw may also be easily produced (see Figured 6 c and 6 d).

At least five “O” images may be made from a punched/cut letter “O”. The first image that could be cut would be a solid “O” that is punched. The remaining foam from which the punched letter was produced could be used to show the outline and produce a “hollow” O image. The two “O” shapes remaining from the punched foam (the one on the outside and the small one on the inside) could then each be traced in their entirety and cut out into two different sized thin O's that could be used together in the proper spacing on the pad to result in a three dimensional “O” outline.

Images or logos 19 formed in molds may be given additional detail in certain areas that is not possible with a simple punching operation. For example, molds may help when forming rounded portions, edges and crevices. This allows the three dimensional image element 18 to produce an image outline 30 that is often times significantly more detailed in appearance from a simple punched image. Forming the image in a mold may help give varying depths within the same image so as to make it look more realistic and provide a desired hologram-like affect to the image outline 30.

It should also be appreciated that the three dimensional image element 18 may be made in multiple sizes to fit different sized items. For example, a three dimensional image element 18 of an eagle could be 6 inches wide to fit across a thigh pad, 4 inches wide to fit on a hip guard or 3 inches wide to fit on a tail bone pad. Obviously, they can also be made of different colors depending on the desired effect. Only a portion of the entire three dimensional image element 18 may include one or more colors to enhance the image as it projects or appears through the exposed fabric area 28 overlying the image element 18.

In the previously discussed embodiments the three dimensional image element 18 may be secured or attached directly to a front face of a pad 10. In one possible embodiment the three dimensional element 18 includes a background sheet 50 (see FIG. 7). Such an embodiment may be positioned in a pad pocket 24 between the pad 10 and the overlying exposed fabric area. Where the exposed fabric area is stretched tight, friction is provided to secure the three dimensional element 18 and the background sheet 50 in position on the face 14 of the pad 10. In such a situation the provision of an additional fastener such as an adhesive layer or hook and loop fasteners may not be necessary.

Many times pads 10 include an uneven front face including ridges R, indentations I or other features. In these situations, the background sheet 50 “smooths” the appearance of the front face 14 thereby allowing the three dimensional logo 19 of the image element 18 to produce a clearer and sharper image outline 30 through the exposed fabric area 28 than would be possible if the background sheet were not used. In this situation it is often helpful to have the background sheet 50 cut to the size and shape necessary to cover the ridges or other surface features of the pad to provide a smooth background which will not interfere with the three dimensional image 30 desired to be produced by the logo 19. Further, where color is used as a feature of the element 18, the background sheet 50 may, for example, be made the same color as the overlying exposed fabric area 28 while the logo 19 includes one or more contrasting colors. In one particularly useful embodiment, the background sheet 50 is white in color to match football pants while the image logo 19 is a relatively dark, contrasting color which will show through the overlying exposed fabric area 28 to enhance the produced image 30. The contrasting color may be a traditional school or sports franchise color if desired. In another possible embodiment, the logo 19 of the image element 18 may be made from a color (e.g. white) that matches the overlying uniform while the background sheet 50 is made from a darker, contrasting color to outline the resulting image 30.

In accordance with additional aspects, a method is provided for promoting a sports team. That method may be broadly described as comprising the steps of wearing a pad 10 with a three dimensional image element 18 under sports clothing 22 of the sports team, producing a three dimensional image 30 projecting through a an exposed fabric area 28 of the sports clothing overlying the pad and providing that image in a shape of a logo such as a team logo or player number. In another possible embodiment the method includes using the exposed fabric area of the sports clothing 22 having a first color and the three dimensional element 18 having a second color that is darker than the first color and shows through the exposed fabric area.

In accordance with yet another aspect a method is provided for ornamenting or embellishing a sports team uniform. That method comprises wearing a pad 10 with a three dimensional image element 18 under the sports team uniform 22 and producing a three dimensional image 30 projecting through an exposed fabric area 28 of the sports team uniform overlying the pad. The method includes providing the image element 18 in a shape of a logo such as a team logo or even a player number.

Still further a method of ornamenting a team uniform is provided. That method comprises purchasing a kit 40 including a three dimensional image element 18 having a shape selected from a group consisting of a player number, a logo and a combination thereof and then securing that three dimensional element under the exposed fabric area 28 of the team uniform 22. This may include securing the three dimensional element 18 to a front face 14 of a sports pad 10 and inserting that pad into a pad pocket 24 in the team uniform so that the three dimensional element projects an image through the exposed fabric area 28 overlying the pad. In one possible embodiment the kit 40 may include a sheet of material from which a user may cut an image element including one of his own creation if desired. Such a kit may also include a cutting instrument if desired.

In summary, numerous benefits resolve from employing the three dimensional pad and methods described herein. Specifically, a three dimensional image element 18 may be affixed to any football pad, whether it is a knee pad, thigh pad, hip pad, tailbone pad, forearm pad, shin guard, shoulder pad, hand pad or any other pad used in football or another sport. Once the three dimensional image element 18 is affixed and covered by an exposed fabric area 28 of tight fitting sports clothing 22, an image outline 30 shows through the exposed fabric area almost giving the appearance of a hologram. In this way it is possible to ornament the sports clothing creating a very interesting and exciting effect that promotes the team and inspires players and fans alike. Significantly, the image element 18 is provided behind an overlying exposed fabric area 28 of a single color. It is not provided behind an exposed fabric area 28 including a design or complex image as any misalignment between the image element 18 and the design or complex image on the fabric 28 can distort the final viewer image leading to an undesired and unattractive result. Further, the most useful embodiments include an image element 18 that is removable from the pad 10 to allow the image to be changed. Further, the pad 10, including the image element 18 is removable from a pad pocket in the uniform to better allow cleaning of the uniform and image changes.

The three dimensional image element may take substantially any suitable form including, but not limited to, a team logo and a player number. By changing the three dimensional image element from game to game, it is possible to provide image outlines 30 to celebrate different occasions. For example, for a game honoring our service men and women, the three dimensional image element may take the form of an American flag. For a game the following week the three dimensional image element may take the form of the team logo. For a game the week after that the three dimensional image element may take the form of a player number. This number could be the actual number of the player wearing the image element 18. Alternatively, it could be the number of a current or former player who is being honored in some manner such as for a celebration to honor an all-star player whose number is currently being retired. In fact, by changing the three dimensional image element from game to game and week to week it is possible to ornament the sports team uniform in a virtually infinite number of different and exciting ways that will be anticipated and looked forward to by fans and players alike.

The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, while this document has focused primarily upon the enhancement and ornamentation of football pads and football sports uniforms, other sports uniforms may be enhanced in the same way. Volleyball players may use the three dimensional image elements 18 to ornament knee pads and elbow pads. Similarly, soccer players may utilize the three dimensional image elements to ornament shin guards. The term “pads” is also to be broad in scope so as to include sport sleeves, elastic knee supports and other such devices used in substantially any sport. In effect any sports team in any sport may be able to utilize the three dimensional image elements to enhance and ornament the team uniform. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed:
 1. A three dimensional pad for wearing under sports clothing to produce a desired image through said sports clothing, comprising: a removable pad including a body having a front face and a rear face; a three dimensional image element secured to said front face of said body whereby when said pad is positioned underneath an exposed fabric area of said sports clothing an image outline is produced.
 2. The pad of claim 1, wherein said three dimensional image element is in a shape of a player number.
 3. The pad of claim 1, wherein said three dimensional image element is in a shape of a logo.
 4. The pad of claim 1, wherein said three dimensional image element is tapered outwardly from a central area toward an outer edge so that said central area projects a greater distance from said front face of said body than does said outer edge.
 5. The pad of claim 1 wherein said three dimensional image element includes a background sheet.
 6. Football pants, comprising: a pants body including a pocket for receiving a football pad; a removable football pad including a pad body having a front face, a rear face and a three dimensional image element secured to said front face whereby when said pad is positioned in said pocket underneath an exposed fabric area of said pants body an image outline is produced in said exposed fabric area.
 7. The football pants of claim 6, wherein said three dimensional image element is in a shape of a player number.
 8. The football pants of claim 6, wherein said three dimensional image element is in a shape of a logo.
 9. The football pants of claim 6, wherein said three dimensional image element is tapered outwardly from a central area toward an outer edge so that said central area projects a greater distance from said front face of said body than does said outer edge.
 10. The football pants of claim 6 wherein said three dimensional image element includes a background sheet.
 11. The football pants of claim 6, wherein said pocket is open at one end to allow said football pad to be inserted and removed from said pocket.
 12. The football pants of claim 6, wherein said exposed fabric area is a first color and said image element is a second, different color that is darker than said first color and shows through said exposed fabric area.
 13. The football pants of claim 12, wherein said front face is also said first color.
 14. The football pants of claim 13, wherein said first color is white.
 15. The football pants of claim 10 wherein said exposed fabric area and said background sheet are a first color and said image element is a second, different color that is darker than said first color and shows through said exposed fabric area.
 16. A method of promoting a sports team, comprising: wearing a pad with a three dimensional image element under sports clothing of said sports team; producing a three dimensional image projecting through an exposed fabric area of said sports clothing overlying said pad; and providing said image in a shape of a logo.
 17. The method of claim 16, including using said exposed fabric area of said sports clothing having a first color and said three dimensional image element having a second color that is darker than said first color and shows through said exposed fabric area.
 18. A method of ornamenting a sports team uniform, comprising: wearing a pad with a three dimensional image element under said sports team uniform; and producing a three dimensional image projecting through an exposed fabric area of said sports team uniform overlying said pad.
 19. The method of claim 18, including providing said image element in a shape of a logo.
 20. The method of claim 18, including providing said image element in a shape of a player number.
 21. A kit for ornamenting a sports uniform, comprising: a three dimensional image element; and a fastener that secures said image element to said sports uniform or a pad worn under said sports uniform.
 22. The kit of claim 21 further including instructions.
 23. The kit of claim 21 wherein said three dimensional image element is in a shape of a logo.
 24. The kit of claim 21, wherein said three dimensional image element is in a shape of a player number.
 25. The kit of claim 22 including an adhesive fastener.
 26. The kit of claim 22 including a hook and loop fastener.
 27. The kit of claim 22 further including a background sheet.
 28. A method of ornamenting a team uniform, comprising: purchasing a kit including a three dimensional image element having a shape selected from a group consisting of a player number, a logo and combinations thereof; and securing said three dimensional element under an exposed fabric area of said team uniform.
 29. The method of claim 28 including securing said three dimensional element to a front face of a sports pad.
 30. The method of claim 28, including inserting said pad into a pad pocket in said team uniform so that said three dimensional image element projects an image through said exposed fabric area overlying said pad. 